You’re never far from an animal sighting in Northeast Wisconsin – spend some time in a park or out in the countryside and you’ll see whitetail deer, raccoons, geese – even the occasional coyote. But there’s one spot in Brown County where the animals are a little more exotic. The Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo & Adventure Park, known as the NEW Zoo, has some residents that are simply amazing. Read on to see why this zoo is a must-visit.
The NEW Zoo & Adventure Park is located in Suamico, about 13 miles north of downtown Green Bay. The facility is adjacent to the Brown County Reforestation Camp, an area that covers about 1,500 forested acres.
The location of the zoo was logged in the 1800s and purchased by Brown County in the late 1800s. In 1950 the county launched an open prison camp with the goal of planting trees. By 1952, a small zoo was created on the site, with bear, deer, and timber-wolves.
It was the start of a big enterprise. The facility today includes an adventure park with a zip line, rock climbing wall, and ropes course. But the biggest draws in this park have fur and feathers.
The zoo has 92 exhibits with more than 215 animals from around the world. No tax dollars contribute to the zoo’s budget – a nonprofit called the NEW Zoological Society helps fund the exhibits and improvements.
One of the zoo’s popular exhibits is the Penguin Exhibit. It’s home to both the African penguin and the South African shelduck. Other exhibits feature everything from albino alligators to snow leopards.
There are several trails in the zoo that feature various animal exhibits. On the Wisconsin Trail, you’ll see native animals like the North American otter, the wild turkey, the American black bear, the red fox, the red wolf, the cougar and the helmeted guinea fowl.
The zoo’s stated mission is to connect the community with wildlife and nature through engaging, interactive experiences. Visit the zoo and make some of your own wild connections! Lean more about the zoo, including hours and ticket details, on its website. If you love learning about wild animals, there’s a free zoo in Madison that’s the perfect day trip destination.
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